Given the recent release of state RFPs, we want to provide you with information about a policy that the Smarter Balanced Executive Committee adopted regarding Non-member access to Smarter Balanced Resources.

The policy addresses the federal requirement that Smarter Balanced must make its resources available to non-members. The policy aligns with the requirements as described in
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-assessment/ip-faqs.pdf. One of the key requirements from the USED is that non-members must not have to incur a greater cost than the Consortium charges members. In general, the policy will allow non-members to access the Smarter Balanced Assessment for the same membership fee charged to members. Non-members, however, will not have the other benefits of membership.

We anticipate that some states may be able to procure membership in Smarter Balanced through intergovernmental agreements with UCLA. In addition, we anticipate that other states may require that service providers pay the membership fee via their test implementation contracts.

Similarly, in cases in which a state does not intend to be a member but otherwise wants access to the Consortium’s materials, we anticipate that service providers may procure access to Smarter Balanced materials on behalf of a state with which they are contracting. Further, we anticipate that service providers may elect to respond to states' RFPs based on this option.

The SMARTER Balanced procurement process adheres to best practices and is consistent with processes established by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. RFPs are developed by Consortium staff, consultants and work groups and reviewed by member states. The Executive Committee approves all RFPs. Firms that participate in the development of an RFP may not submit a proposal.

RFPs are posted on this page, and registered vendors are notified through Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). Prospective registrants may wish to associate their organizations with the following codes that are likely to correspond to RFPs issued by SMARTER Balanced:

An evaluation committee specific to each RFP reviews and scores the proposals. To ensure broad review among a number of state representatives with diverse expertise, representatives from six to 10 Governing States make up this evaluation committee. Potential vendors may be invited for an oral presentation or to submit additional information. Once all of the evaluation information has been collected, the evaluation committee makes a vendor recommendation. The Executive Committee provides final approval on all contracts.